Quote of the Week

There is a line from The Princess Bride to suit every occasion. I mentioned this in last week's post, and I maintain the complete and utter truth of this statement. I quote this movie more than any other... and—this is the best part—my kids get the references. I wonder if they'd enjoy the book?

Grandpa : Nothing gave Buttercup as much pleasure as ordering Westley around.

Buttercup : Farm boy, polish my horse's saddle. I want to see my face shining in it by morning.

Westley : As you wish.

Grandpa : "As you wish" was all he ever said to her.

Buttercup : Farm boy, fill these with water - please.

Westley : As you wish.

Grandpa : That day, she was amazed to discover that when he was saying "As you wish," what he meant was, "I love you." And even more amazing was the day she realized she truly loved him back.

The Many Forms of Conflict

If asked about conflict, I would describe myself as conflict-adverse. I would prefer to avoid it, but I will step up and fight if all other avenues have been exhausted. This stance makes writing about conflict extra tricky for me. Life is full of conflict (internal, external), and avoiding it in fiction is unrealistic (this coming from the person who writes about vampires, wizards, and fairies).

Internal Conflict

Character versus self conflict includes a moral dilemma or a mental health condition. It demonstrates a struggle the character has within her/himself. The conflict resolves when the character makes, and acts on, a choice. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk is a great example of this type of conflict as demonstrated with the main character's interactions with his alter ego.

External Conflict

Character versus character conflict occurs when the needs and/or wants of one character contradict those of another character.   The characters are on opposing sides whether it's a straightforward fight or a complex power struggle. The conflict resolves when the characters needs and/or wants align or when one character defeats the other. In William Goldman's The Princess Bride, the hero Westley must defeat the prince engaged to Westley's true love Buttercup.

Character versus nature conflict is present when the heroine/hero must survive against poor weather, harsh environment, or natural disaster. The conflict resolves when the protagonist survives or dies. There is always a possibility that nature wins. For example, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, a story about a young man who decides to live off the land in the Alaskan wilderness and dies.

Character versus supernatural conflict occurs when the character must battle a supernatural element, like ghosts, vampires, or other mythical creatures. The supernatural characteristics create a power imbalance which makes it even more impressive if the hero prevails. Often both parties possess supernatural skills, and throughout the story arc, the hero learns how to hone his/her power. The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan immediately comes to mind as I picture the epic battles between the young demigod and the monsters he encounters throughout the books. As the books progress, he gains confidence and experience in his skills.

Character versus technology conflict occurs when a character must battle some form of technology. It can be a literal fight as in The Terminator (screenplay turned novel) where Skynet machines cause a war and nearly destroy humanity or a struggle for survival as in Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow about the pilot who landed a crippled plane in New York's Hudson River in 2009.

Character versus society conflict is present when the character opposes what is considered "normal" for the purposes of, for example but not limited to, survival, morality, or love. In George Orwell's 1984, Winston questioned the Party in his diary which was a crime ("thoughtcrime") punishable by death. He wanted the freedom to think which threatened the status quo of a tightly controlled society built and maintained on propaganda and outright lies.

Conflict is essential to drive a narrative forward. It is the catalyst for character growth. And it keeps life interesting.

A Few Fast Facts about Maya Tyler

Last week, I found this author's challenge list and thought answering the questions—basically an interview with myself—would make a great blog post. Here goes...

***

1. 2019 writing goals - polish and publish A Wizard's Choice (my nanowrimo book); complete some of my work-in-progresses; and write my fictionalized life story

2. Who are you? - I am kind

3. Your title page

4. Fav cover art

5. Nature setting - sunny, cloudless day on a sandy beach with the waves gently rolling toward the shore

6. Great opening line - Once upon a time - because that's how all fairy tales begin...

7. Writer food - coffee... it's a food, right?

8. Dialog - In a novel, I write it as I hear my character's say it, but writing it well—using it sparingly to move the story forward and identifying the speaker without overkill tags—is a challenge. In a chat story, dialog drives the whole story which has made me think differently about dialog.

9. Book quote

10. Your protagonist - from A Wizard's Choice, Kurtis Warde—an angry and conflicted wizard's apprentice

11. Writing advice

12. Fav classic

13. Fav book and why

A favourite for many reasons... including... "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles." What else does a great story need?

14. Your writing life - inspiration and sacrifice

15. Where you write - anywhere and everywhere - especially my beautiful purple office and my outdoor family room

16. Why write?

17. Pet friends - my precious nine-pound wonder Buddy who is living with (as opposed to dying from) congestive heart failure

18. Great closing line - The End - where you expecting something a little more auspicious?

We All Feel Pain

Is it really 'better to feel pain, than nothing at all'? –"Stubborn Love" by The Lumineers

So much of life is pain. A child's entry into the world is often a painful experience for the mother. As children, we injure ourselves learning to walk or ride a bike, and we suffer ear infections and strep throats. As teenagers, we face the emotional pain of rejection and heartbreak. As adults, we share in our children's pain as they make their own way. As we age, our feeble bodies fall victim to disease and decay.

Preventing pain—physical or emotional—is futile. Unless you live in a bubble, there is no surefire way to insulate yourself.

***

"Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word." –George R.R. Martin

"No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown." –William Penn

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." –Buddhist proverb

***

So, what do these adages tell us about the human perspective on pain? "Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." (William Goldman's The Princess Bride).

Pain is an integral part of life. We all face trials, but it is our response which defines us. Every day we live is one day closer to the day we die. What a morbid, albeit realistic, view. It is our responsibility to live each day to the fullest, to bring meaning and purpose, despite our personal difficulties and tragedies.

I am no stranger to adversity. Ten years ago, my husband was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. This incurable disease stole my husband's ability to work, leaving him in unconscionable, chronic pain. Five years ago, I was harassed and assaulted at my workplace. The trauma I suffered, and the stark absence of support after, led to development of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, manifesting in chronic physical symptoms.

I am no stranger to pain. I know many of you share similar experiences and difficulties. I am sympathetic to your plight. I have connected with many readers whose lives are impacted by chronic pain. Most people do not understand the misery that accompanies lingering disease or injury. They cannot begin to comprehend the feeling of loss and frustration, the isolation, and the devastation. A health crisis takes from your life. When you become ill and unable to work, you lose more than financial stability. You lose friends. You lose ability. You lose purpose. These things are stolen from you. You are the only one who can take them back.

The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said: "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." A harsh observation indeed. What I have learned is that I am much stronger than I ever thought possible. I struggle to complete ordinary daily activities and endure unfathomable agony for my efforts. I am limited in what I can do. Even pleasurable activities come at a cost. The requisites to writing—clear mindset, ability to concentrate and focus, being in a good emotional place—I often lack and cannot implement at will. My mind is at war with my body.

My internal war is not the only one I am fighting. I have also spoken up against the abuse—the systematic torture—I experienced at work. With the hope of preventing what happened to me from happening to anyone else, I have taken my employer to task with the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Tribunal. This fight exacts a high price. One I have paid with my health.

I must do the right thing. I cannot do less.

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's story is an apt illustration of the cost of standing up for your beliefs. In 2016, he knelt during the national anthem in protest against social injustice, especially for the police brutality of African-Americans. Kaepernick opted out of the final season of his contract with the 49ers in March 2017 to become a free agent, but no other NFL team has signed him, most likely due to his activism.

Life is precious. Life is not perfect. Life is made to be lived. And, at the end of the day, you have to live with yourself and the choices you've made. I can live with myself. Can you?

Five Memorable Scenes from The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride

1987 ‧ Fantasy/Romance ‧ 1h 38m

A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Based on the William Goldman novel "The Princess Bride" which earned its own loyal audience.

-- IMDb

<<sigh>> The Princess Bride. My long-time favorite movie. I discovered the movie first, then I read the book. If a movie (or TV show for that matter) is based on a book, I watch the video first. Or I read the book and completely forgo the video. Why? Hands down, every time, my imagination is better than Hollywood's interpretation. A picture paints a thousand words? Well, a word can also paint a thousand pictures.

When I read The Princess Bride, I envision Robin Wright as Buttercup and Cary Elwes as her true love Westley.

The Princess Bride is a timeless story that contains all the important elements.

"Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles."

I have seen The Princess Bride more times than I can remember. I confess that I recite the lines along with the actors—and there are some fantastic lines—and quote parts of the movie at applicable times in my life. I even got my sons (aged seven and nine) to watch it (and enjoy it... except for the kissing part).

To complement those fantastic lines—"As you wish"—are equally epic scenes. Here are some of my favorites. In no particular order...

<<spoiler alert>>


Scene One - When Inigo Montoya fights Count Rugen. I find this scene so powerful. A son avenges his father. He confronts the man who killed his father and makes him beg for his life. At the end, in the heart-wrenching moment before he strikes the final blow, he declares all he wants is his father back.

Inigo Montoya: Hello! My name is Inigo Montoya! You killed my father! Prepare to die!

Count Rugen: Stop saying that!

Scene Two - When the grandson doesn't mind the kissing part. This scene has become more meaningful for me since I've had children. My boys love action movies—superhero stuff—with fighting and killing, and they definitely don't like the kissing parts. When they cover their eyes and boo at the screen, I smile and think that someday, like the Grandson, they won't mind so much either.

Grandfather: They rode to freedom. And as dawn arose, Westley and Buttercup knew they were safe. A wave of love swept over them. And as they reached for each other—

Grandson: What? What?

Grandfather: Naw, it's kissing again, you don't want to hear that.

Grandson: Well, I don't mind so much.

Scene Three - When the Vizzini says "inconceivable." The first time I watched this movie, I was a kid and probably didn't know what 'inconceivable' meant. I not only learned the meaning, but the spelling as well. I can't imagine anyone other than Wallace Shawn screaming "inconceivable" over and over, as if yelling a big word made him seem smarter. And, it's true, sometimes yelling "inconceivable" is the absolutely appropriate word to use.

Vizzini: Inconceivable!

Inigo Montoya: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Scene Four - When Buttercup and Westley say good-bye. The romantic in me swoons each time I hear Westley say "Here this now: I will always come for you." The whole scene is a perfect reinforcement of my belief in True Love.

Buttercup: I fear I'll never see you again.

Westley: Of course you will.

Buttercup: But what if something happens to you?

Westley: Hear this now: I will always come for you.

Buttercup: But how can you be sure?

Westley: This is True Love. You think this happens every day?

Scene Five - When Westley says "As you wish." Another Princess Bride line that my husband and I often use in real life. You know, it really means "I love you."

Buttercup: And what am I?

Dread Pirate Roberts: Faithfulness he talked of, madame, your enduring faithfulness. Now tell me truly, when you found out he was gone, did you get engaged to your prince that same hour, or did you wait a whole week out of respect for the dead?

Buttercup: You mocked me once. Never do it again! I died that day! [pause] And you can die too for all I care!

[Buttercup pushes Roberts down the hill]

Dread Pirate Roberts: <rolling> As... you... wish!

Buttercup: Oh my sweet Westley, what have I done?


The Princess Bride is an amazing movie (and book too). I highly recommend both. 5 stars. There are so many great scenes. Like when the Grandson thinks Buttercup will get eaten by the eels. Or, when Inigo and Fezzik are rhyming. Or, when the Vizzini thinks he's won the battle of wits until he falls over dead. Or, when Miracle Max says Westley is only mostly dead. Or, when Buttercup surprises Westley by surrendering to Humperdinck outside the Fire Swamp. Or, you know, the whole story!

Until next time, keep on dreaming and never underestimate the power of True Love.